THE LAST SAMURI can notch another success at this level before having his sights raised. Donald McCain's charge won over course and distance on his hurdling debut before following up at Bangor and should be able to give 4lb to Hexham scorer Seeyouatmidnight. Straidnahanna isn't really getting any close to a first victory over timber but Tiny Dancer only found one too good in a Carlisle handicap last time and Blueside Boy was placed over track and trip two weeks ago.
The Last Samuri (IRE) 7-2 (11-5) Tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, soon ridden, headed next, left in lead and hampered last, ran on, won at Bangor 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov beating Horizontal Speed (11-5) by 2 3/4l, 7 ran.
Seeyouatmidnight 66-1 (10-12) Made all, ridden before last, kept on well towards finish, won at Hexham 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Dec beating Regal Encore (11-5) by 2l, 11 ran.
Blueside Boy (IRE) 10-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, challenged after 3rd, every chance approaching 2 out, stayed on same pace before last, 3rd of 10, 7l behind Masterleaderman (11-0) at Kelso 2m 6f NH mdn hdl (5) sft in Dec.
Dunleer Dixie 66-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, ridden over 6f out, soon weakened, 11th of 14, 36l behind Seldom Inn (11-0) at Newcastle 2m NH flat (6) gd in Dec.
Generous Chief (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, not much room and lost place before 5th, soon reminders, headway before next, pushed along and reminders when fell 7th, in a race won by Simarthur (11-0) at Hexham 3m mdn hdl (5) sft in Dec, 8 ran.
Isaacstown Lad (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge 3 out, soon every chance, fell next, in a race won by Swatow Typhoon (11-10) at Ayr 3m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Mar, 7 ran.
Marlee Massie (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, mistake 8th, well beaten after next, tailed off, 8th of 10, 46l behind Masterleaderman (11-0) at Kelso 2m 6f NH mdn hdl (5) sft in Dec.
Native Spa (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, weakened final furlong, 6th of 14, 17l behind Seldom Inn (11-0) at Newcastle 2m NH flat (6) gd in Dec.
Straidnahanna (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 6th, ridden 3 out, one pace, 3rd of 10, 27l behind Racing Pulse (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Tiny Dancer (IRE) 15-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway when left 3rd and slightly hampered 4th, went 2nd 3 out, led 2 out, ridden and headed before last, kept on same pace flat and no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Gulf Punch (11-9) at Carlisle 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in Dec.
Voyage A New York (FR) 13-2 (11-0) Prominent, ridden and weakened before 3f out, 9th of 14, 39l behind Five In A Row (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f NH flat (6) gs in Oct.
